Give it a shot: UNM Health offering free flu vaccinations

To protect you from feeling "crummy," or worse, the University of New Mexico Health System is holding free flu shot clinics this weekend and in upcoming weekends.

“The flu virus keeps changing,” Dr. Meghan Brett, an infectious diseases doctor and epidemiologist for UNM Hospital, said in a news release. “This year’s flu is different from last year. Also, the flu vaccine only lasts through one season. So, it’s important to get vaccinated every year.”

Brett also said it’s recommended you get vaccinated in September or October, as it will last through flu season.

The clinics are at the following times and locations on Saturday, Oct. 19:

• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at UNM Parking and Planning, 1301 Lomas NE. This is a drive-thru clinic.

• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center, 3200 Broodmoor, Rio Rancho. This is inside the UNM Center of Excellence.

A clinic will also take place on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cibola High School, 1510 Ellison NW. This is a drive-thru clinic. And one will be held on Saturday, Nov. 2, at Carrie Tingley Hospital, 1127 University NE. This is a drive up and park clinic.

UNM said no documentation or payment is required to receive a shot. The flu vaccine is recommended for anyone 6 months old or older.

Brett said the flu is nothing to take lightly.

“Some people may feel crummy for seven days, but other people have much more serious effects from flu,” Brett said in the statement. “That could include hospitalization, being on a breathing machine and even death. It’s very important that people get vaccinated, particularly those who have underlying health conditions.”